I asked myself for years (as a road-warrior) if TSA Pre-Check was really worth it, while I delayed too long, in my opinion, in making my decision.
That is probably the exact reason why you are reading this now. Wondering if it’s worth all the hype. So let me break it down for you.
Worth it. Here’s why.
Let’s break it down:
The Cost: Currently the cost for first-timers is $85.00 for 5 years. Renewals are a bit cheaper. Some travel cards like the Delta SkyMiles Platinum Card will reimburse you after purchase, so if you have a travel card with this benefit, it’s a no-brainer. Go get the dang thing!
Benefits of TSA Pre-Check:
A dedicated line that takes you right past the normal TSA line, make sure you look for the TSA Pre-Check line and get in THAT ONE! I have timed this a few times at airports that post regular TSA wait times, and I get through much faster than the posted time frames (15-40 minutes faster). I have also timed this the old-fashioned, organic way – with travel partners that do not have TSA Pre-Check. The results were very similar and I was the person always waiting on someone else to get through.
One reason for the time diff, is that in the Precheck line you do not have to remove your laptop or your shoes. Multiply that by the amount of people in that line (removing shoes, and laptops) and no wonder it goes so much faster! This is my FAVE benefit, as I coast through security, and it buys me a few extra minutes before I need to arrive at the airport. Don’t get silly with this new, extra-time power though….I have cut flights super close and barely made my flight, by arriving later than I normally would because I had TSA PreCheck. It is not any fun to arrive, breathy, at the gate to realize that you are the last to board.
How to Get TSA PreCheck
- Apply on line at TSA.GOV/PreCheck
- Visit an enrollment location near you for fingerprinting and photo capture (You can find this information on the same website)
- Once approved you will receive your Known Traveler Number (KTN), add that to your airline profile and/or your current reservation
Important Notes:
- Make sure that you see TSA PreCheck on your boarding pass – It is super tiny! See the little checkmark on the boarding pass below. OCCASIONALLY, it gets missed. It is rare, but if it happens to you once, which it has to me, you will always look to make sure that little check mark is there. They will not let you go through without it.
- TSA Pre-Check is for US travel only
- You must receive your Known Traveler Number (KTN) and add it to your airline profile or reservation before you can access the TSA PreCheck line.
- You must be a US Citizen
- You must do some paperwork and pass a background check for approval
Overall Opinion:
Totally worth it. Get it here, and make sure you use your credit card with this benefit, if you have one.
